This is again a time of tragedy in our nation. The loss of life and devastation from Hurricane Katrina is catastrophic.
I hope you are safe and your family and friends are accounted for. My prayers go out to all affected by this tragedy.
So, how do we deal with these types of tragedies and continue on with our homeschooling? If you're in the midst of it, keep your kids close and talk them through their fears and concerns. For others, we can use this time to learn about helping others and reaching out in whatever ways we can.
Living in Southern California, I've homeschooled through many trying times: 9/ll, L.A. Riots, large earthquakes, the California firestorms of 1993, Columbine. I've also homeschooled through many personal circumstances which makes homeschooling difficult: Giving birth and recovery time, my daughters broken arm and surgery, my mothers brain-surgery followed by a stroke and long months of recovery.
It is during times like these that I am especially thankful to have my children home with me. During times of local or national tragedies, I knew that my children were safe. In times of personal circumstances, I had them with me at the hospitals. I didn't have to make special arrangements to get them dropped off or picked up after school. All homeschooling didn't stop. We brought our books and did our schooling in the waiting rooms. We were together and I was able to answer their questions and calm their fears about the situations. At times, we would alter our studies to relate to what was going on in our world. We learned all about the human brain and memory. We've studied earthquakes and learned about fires and fire fighters.
During 9/11, we learned about what a terrorist is. We're learning about the Pentagon and what goes on there. We're learning about NATO and what that means to our country. We're learning about the CIA and the FBI and how they look out for our safety. We're learning about Osama bin Laden. FEMA has a kids page to help kids understand who they are and what they do.
Because my son is older, we watch the news together. He has lots of questions and we search them out together. Younger children should probably be shielded from some of the pictures on television. I think it is important to talk with your children, answer their questions to the best of your ability and reassure them that they are safe. It's probably a good idea to return to your daily routine as soon as possible.
Resources for talking to small children:
